Developers recently broke ground on an Earth-friendly, $600 million
mixed-use skyscraper in Lower Manhattan that will include condominiums,
retail, a boutique hotel and meeting space. Located at 50 West Street, the 580,000-square-foot tower is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification when completed in 2011.

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Designed by noted architect Helmut Jahn and developed by New York-based Time Equities Inc.,
the building will incorporate environmentally sustainable technologies
including a green roof, efficient water fixtures and plumbing,
automatic blinds and energy control. Further, the 65-story building
will be clad in energy-efficient glass that maximizes use of natural
light and filters UV rays. All waste from demolition will be recycled
and construction materials will be "sustainable" and "rapidly
renewable," according to the developer.

"50 West Street is
marked by sustainable design, advanced technology, landmark
architecture, and commitment to the community," said Phillip Gesue,
director of acquisitions and development for Time Equities.

The eco-tower will contain 240 residential units and 150 hotel and retail units, as well as 2,500 square feet of meeting space.

As
a part of the development's commitment to Lower Manhattan, Time
Equities will donate $4.6 million to the Department of Housing
Preservation and Development's affordable housing preservation fund,
$350,000 to the NYC Board of Education for a Lower East Side Space
Sciences Center and $430,000 to local P.S./I.S. 89 for a computer
science program.